Passengers were forced to evacuate a United Airlines flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday, March 2, after the plane experienced a possible engine fire.
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement to USA TODAY.
“United flight 2127 safely returned to Los Angeles to address a possible engine fire. Customers deplaned via slides and airstairs and were bused to the terminal,” the statement said. “We are grateful to our pilots and flight attendants for their quick actions to keep our customers safe.”
Video posted to social media appeared to show smoke coming from the plane’s left engine as passengers evacuated down emergency slides and onto the tarmac.
According to the airline, the flight had just departed LAX and was scheduled to fly to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. It was operated by a Boeing 787 and there were 256 passengers and 12 crewmembers onboard.
The airline said it arranged another plane to transport the affected passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate the incident.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: United Airlines passengers evacuated after possible engine fire
Reporting by Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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